At its December 2012 meeting in Salem, the Board of Directors considered two proposals for a bylaws change to add two new categories of membership: one category for Veterinary Students and a separate one for Affiliate (practice managers, technicians, individual industry representatives, etc.)

Magnolia Bird Farm, Incorporated, of Anaheim, California, is recalling Raw and Roasted In-shell Peanuts and Magnolia Bird Farm Bird seed mixes that contain peanuts, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The peanuts contained in the mixes are being recalled by Sunland, Incorporated, of Portola, New Mexico.

Veterinarians who want to write Certificates of Veterinary Inspection to certify animals for domestic and international movement must comply with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's National Veterinary Accreditation Program.

Wellness Natural Pet Food for Dogs and Cats has recalled its 12 lb Small Breed Adult Health Dry Dog Food with the “Best By” date of August 18, 2013. A small batch of the product with this specific date code was found to be higher in moisture than called for.

Wildwood Seed & Specialties of Monroe, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of their Sleek and Sassy brand bird and small animal foods that contain raw in-shell peanuts. These products contain peanut ingredients recalled by Sunland Inc. due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

TBD Brands, LLC has recalled Yoghund brand Organic Banana & Peanut Butter flavor frozen yogurt dog treats. This is a cautionary action, as these products contain organic peanut butter linked to recent recalls of Sunland, Inc.of Portales, NM, for possible Salmonella contamination. Although there have been no reported incidents of human or animal illnesses in connection with their product, the company has elected to recall all case product of Lot Code 268 12 and earlier, cup and four pack Best By Date of 9.24.14 or earlier.

Kasel Associated Industries is recalling its Boots and Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears and Boots and Barkley American Variety Pack Dog Treats because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. These products are sold at Target stores.

Nature’s Recipe brand is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of Nature’s Recipe® Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken, manufactured in one of its U.S. production facilities, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) conducted a one-day public workshop on Oct. 2 in Washington, DC, to examine several issues related to pet medications and veterinary prescriptions. The workshop included three panel discussions. A synopsis of each panel and the OVMA comments as directed to the FTC on each topic follows.

Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling its Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats product because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. This product was distributed to Sam's Club stores in several states. Not originally distributed to Oregon.

ZuPreem®, under parent company Premium Nutritional Products, Inc. is voluntarily recalling the 11/30/13 and the 11/13 expiration date codes of ZuPreem Medium/Large and Large FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird foods. This voluntary recall is being initiated because two lots may contain calcium levels higher than the recommended level.

Among many other peanut butter, almond butter and other nut products recalled by Sunland, Inc. for Salmonella contamination, a product specifically manufactured for dogs has now been recalled: Dogsbutter RUC with Flax PB, 16 oz.

Whether it’s H.R. 1406, the Fairness to Pet Owners Act, or the selling of pet medications both online and at other brick-and-mortar retailers, veterinarians are being challenged with the issues surrounding veterinary medications and their availability.

Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO has recalled its Boots & Barkley 6 Count 5 Inch American Beef Bully Sticks product because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. This product was sold at Target stores. Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.